Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has set targets for reducing waiting lists by aligning them with (a) workforce growth and (b) deployment metrics.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

As set out in the Plan for Change, we will ensure that 92% of patients return to waiting no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029, a standard which has not been met consistently since September 2015. NHS England published its planning guidance for 2025/26 in January 2025. This guidance sets out clear priorities for the National Health Service, including the delivery of the interim electives ambition that nationally, 65% of patients are seen within 18 weeks, along with an expected minimum 5% improvement on current performance for each trust, as set out in the Elective Reform Plan. It is for trusts and integrated care boards to manage the staffing of all professions to deliver on these priorities within their agreed financial allocations.

We will publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan to create a workforce ready to deliver a transformed service. They will be more empowered, more flexible, and more fulfilled. The 10 Year Workforce Plan will ensure the NHS has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information his Department holds on the average number of days taken to fill a consultant-level vacancy in each of the last five years; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the time taken to fill consultant-level vacancies on waiting list recovery rates.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department does not hold data on the number of days taken to fill a consultant-level vacancy nor has it made an assessment of the potential impact of the time taken to fill consultant-level vacancies on waiting list recovery rates.

NHS England published its planning guidance for 2025/26 in January 2025. This guidance sets out clear priorities for the National Health Service, including the delivery of the interim electives ambition that nationally, 65% of patients are seen within 18 weeks, along with an expected minimum 5% improvement on current performance for each trust, as set out in the Elective Reform Plan.

It is for trusts and integrated care boards to manage staffing of all professions to deliver on these priorities within their agreed financial allocations.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to monitor progress on access to new NHS-approved drugs for blood cancer patients.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for developing authoritative, evidence-based recommendations for the National Health Service on whether new medicines represent a clinically and cost-effective use of resources. NICE has been able to recommend a number of medicines for use in the NHS for the treatment of different types of blood cancer.

NHS England funds NICE-recommended cancer medicines from the Cancer Drugs Fund from the point of a positive draft NICE guidance, bringing forward patient access by approximately five months than would otherwise be the case. All drugs on the Cancer Drugs Fund have reached expected uptake levels within three months of a positive NICE recommendation.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of international best practice in the provision of osteoporosis diagnosis services; and whether he is applying lessons learned from those practices to NHS policy.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

In the last three years, two new drugs have been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, namely abaloparatide and romosozumab. These medications help to strengthen the bones and prevent bone loss, thereby reducing the risk of fractures. The National Health Service is legally required to make funding available for treatments recommended by NICE.

We have invested in 13 new bone density, or DEXA, scanners, which are expected to provide up to 29,000 extra scans per year to ensure people with bone conditions get diagnosed earlier.

The National Fracture Liaison Service database is a clinically led national audit of secondary fracture prevention in England and Wales and is commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership and delivered by the Royal College of Physicians. It collects and publishes data on individual Fracture Liaison Services and uses internationally recognised standards as the key performance indicators that these services are measured against. The data is publicly available.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure equitable access to osteoporosis medication and early diagnosis services across all regions of England.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

In the last three years, two new drugs have been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, namely abaloparatide and romosozumab. These medications help to strengthen the bones and prevent bone loss, thereby reducing the risk of fractures. The National Health Service is legally required to make funding available for treatments recommended by NICE.

We have invested in 13 new bone density, or DEXA, scanners, which are expected to provide up to 29,000 extra scans per year to ensure people with bone conditions get diagnosed earlier.

The National Fracture Liaison Service database is a clinically led national audit of secondary fracture prevention in England and Wales and is commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership and delivered by the Royal College of Physicians. It collects and publishes data on individual Fracture Liaison Services and uses internationally recognised standards as the key performance indicators that these services are measured against. The data is publicly available.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the abolition of NHS England on the pace of workforce planning in addition to the long-term workforce plan.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of the abolition of NHS England on the pace of workforce planning in addition to the long-term workforce plan.

We will publish our 10 Year Workforce Plan by the end of this year.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of adequacy of the time taken to recruit (a) allied health professionals, (b) doctors and (c) nurses in each of the last five years; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the time taken to recruit allied health professionals on (i) rehabilitation and (iI) elective services.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department has made no specific assessment of the adequacy of the time taken to recruit allied health professionals, doctors, and nurses in each of the last five years.

Currently, the Department has no plans to make an assessment on the potential impact of the time taken to recruit allied health professionals on rehabilitation and elective services.

NHS England published its planning guidance for 2025/26 in January 2025. This guidance sets out clear priorities for the National Health Service, including the delivery of the interim electives ambition that nationally, 65% of patients are seen within 18 weeks, along with an expected minimum 5% improvement on current performance for each trust, as set out in the Elective Reform Plan. It is for trusts and integrated care boards to manage the recruitment and staffing of all professions to deliver on these priorities within their agreed financial allocations.

On 11 August 2025, the Government announced the Graduate Guarantee for nurses and midwives. The guarantee will ensure that there are enough positions for every newly qualified nurse and midwife in England. The package of measures will unlock thousands of jobs and will ensure thousands of new posts are easier to access by removing barriers for NHS trusts, creating opportunities for graduates and ensuring a seamless transition from training to employment.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of regional retention offers on reducing (a) workforce turnover and (b) waiting list lengths.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department has not made an assessment of the potential impact of staffing shortages in non-clinical roles, workforce burnout, reductions in the number of interim board positions, or regional retention offers on waiting lists, or of creating temporary cross-trust staffing pools for specialties with high waiting times. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of regional retention offers on reducing workforce turnover.

The Government is committed to making the National Health Service the best place to work, by supporting and retaining our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals. The Government plans to introduce a new set of standards for modern employment in April 2026. The new standards will reaffirm our commitment to improving retention by tackling the issues that matter to staff, including promoting flexible working, improving staff health and wellbeing, and dealing with violence, racism, and sexual harassment in the NHS workplace.

The health and wellbeing of all NHS staff is a top priority. NHS organisations have a responsibility to create supportive working environments for staff, ensuring they have the conditions they need to thrive, including access to high quality health and wellbeing support. As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will roll out Staff Treatment hubs to ensure all staff have access to high quality occupational health support, including for mental health.

NHS England published its planning guidance for 2025/26 in January 2025. This guidance sets out clear priorities for the NHS, including the delivery of the interim electives ambition that nationally, 65% of patients are seen within 18 weeks, along with an expected minimum 5% improvement on current performance for each trust, as set out in the Elective Reform Plan. Trusts and integrated care boards are expected to manage the staffing of all professions to deliver on these priorities within their agreed financial allocations.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of Trusts have designated recruitment teams focused on elective care specialties; and whether he plans on rolling out this initiative to more Trusts.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department does not hold information on how many and what proportion of trusts have designated recruitment teams focused on elective care specialties.

Decisions about recruitment are a matter for individual National Health Service employers, who manage this at a local level to ensure they have the staff they need to deliver safe and effective care.

The 10 Year Workforce Plan will ensure the NHS has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the best care for patients, when they need it.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of creating temporary cross-trust staffing pools for specialties with high waiting times.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department has not made an assessment of the potential impact of staffing shortages in non-clinical roles, workforce burnout, reductions in the number of interim board positions, or regional retention offers on waiting lists, or of creating temporary cross-trust staffing pools for specialties with high waiting times. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of regional retention offers on reducing workforce turnover.

The Government is committed to making the National Health Service the best place to work, by supporting and retaining our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals. The Government plans to introduce a new set of standards for modern employment in April 2026. The new standards will reaffirm our commitment to improving retention by tackling the issues that matter to staff, including promoting flexible working, improving staff health and wellbeing, and dealing with violence, racism, and sexual harassment in the NHS workplace.

The health and wellbeing of all NHS staff is a top priority. NHS organisations have a responsibility to create supportive working environments for staff, ensuring they have the conditions they need to thrive, including access to high quality health and wellbeing support. As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will roll out Staff Treatment hubs to ensure all staff have access to high quality occupational health support, including for mental health.

NHS England published its planning guidance for 2025/26 in January 2025. This guidance sets out clear priorities for the NHS, including the delivery of the interim electives ambition that nationally, 65% of patients are seen within 18 weeks, along with an expected minimum 5% improvement on current performance for each trust, as set out in the Elective Reform Plan. Trusts and integrated care boards are expected to manage the staffing of all professions to deliver on these priorities within their agreed financial allocations.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of staffing shortages in non-clinical roles on waiting lists.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department has not made an assessment of the potential impact of staffing shortages in non-clinical roles, workforce burnout, reductions in the number of interim board positions, or regional retention offers on waiting lists, or of creating temporary cross-trust staffing pools for specialties with high waiting times. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of regional retention offers on reducing workforce turnover.

The Government is committed to making the National Health Service the best place to work, by supporting and retaining our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals. The Government plans to introduce a new set of standards for modern employment in April 2026. The new standards will reaffirm our commitment to improving retention by tackling the issues that matter to staff, including promoting flexible working, improving staff health and wellbeing, and dealing with violence, racism, and sexual harassment in the NHS workplace.

The health and wellbeing of all NHS staff is a top priority. NHS organisations have a responsibility to create supportive working environments for staff, ensuring they have the conditions they need to thrive, including access to high quality health and wellbeing support. As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will roll out Staff Treatment hubs to ensure all staff have access to high quality occupational health support, including for mental health.

NHS England published its planning guidance for 2025/26 in January 2025. This guidance sets out clear priorities for the NHS, including the delivery of the interim electives ambition that nationally, 65% of patients are seen within 18 weeks, along with an expected minimum 5% improvement on current performance for each trust, as set out in the Elective Reform Plan. Trusts and integrated care boards are expected to manage the staffing of all professions to deliver on these priorities within their agreed financial allocations.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of workforce burnout on waiting lists.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department has not made an assessment of the potential impact of staffing shortages in non-clinical roles, workforce burnout, reductions in the number of interim board positions, or regional retention offers on waiting lists, or of creating temporary cross-trust staffing pools for specialties with high waiting times. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of regional retention offers on reducing workforce turnover.

The Government is committed to making the National Health Service the best place to work, by supporting and retaining our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals. The Government plans to introduce a new set of standards for modern employment in April 2026. The new standards will reaffirm our commitment to improving retention by tackling the issues that matter to staff, including promoting flexible working, improving staff health and wellbeing, and dealing with violence, racism, and sexual harassment in the NHS workplace.

The health and wellbeing of all NHS staff is a top priority. NHS organisations have a responsibility to create supportive working environments for staff, ensuring they have the conditions they need to thrive, including access to high quality health and wellbeing support. As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will roll out Staff Treatment hubs to ensure all staff have access to high quality occupational health support, including for mental health.

NHS England published its planning guidance for 2025/26 in January 2025. This guidance sets out clear priorities for the NHS, including the delivery of the interim electives ambition that nationally, 65% of patients are seen within 18 weeks, along with an expected minimum 5% improvement on current performance for each trust, as set out in the Elective Reform Plan. Trusts and integrated care boards are expected to manage the staffing of all professions to deliver on these priorities within their agreed financial allocations.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of reductions in the number of interim board positions on the capacity of the executive to reduce waiting lists.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department has not made an assessment of the potential impact of staffing shortages in non-clinical roles, workforce burnout, reductions in the number of interim board positions, or regional retention offers on waiting lists, or of creating temporary cross-trust staffing pools for specialties with high waiting times. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of regional retention offers on reducing workforce turnover.

The Government is committed to making the National Health Service the best place to work, by supporting and retaining our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals. The Government plans to introduce a new set of standards for modern employment in April 2026. The new standards will reaffirm our commitment to improving retention by tackling the issues that matter to staff, including promoting flexible working, improving staff health and wellbeing, and dealing with violence, racism, and sexual harassment in the NHS workplace.

The health and wellbeing of all NHS staff is a top priority. NHS organisations have a responsibility to create supportive working environments for staff, ensuring they have the conditions they need to thrive, including access to high quality health and wellbeing support. As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will roll out Staff Treatment hubs to ensure all staff have access to high quality occupational health support, including for mental health.

NHS England published its planning guidance for 2025/26 in January 2025. This guidance sets out clear priorities for the NHS, including the delivery of the interim electives ambition that nationally, 65% of patients are seen within 18 weeks, along with an expected minimum 5% improvement on current performance for each trust, as set out in the Elective Reform Plan. Trusts and integrated care boards are expected to manage the staffing of all professions to deliver on these priorities within their agreed financial allocations.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has undertaken modelling on the potential impact of (a) retention incentives, (b) flexible working policies and (c) bursaries for different staff groups on waiting lists.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department has not undertaken any such modelling. It is known that in the National Health Service, an engaged and supported workforce leads to better patient care. As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, the Government is committed to making the NHS the best place to work, by supporting and retaining our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals.

To support this ambition, the Government plans to introduce a new set of standards for flexible modern NHS employment in April 2026. The new standards will reaffirm our commitment to improving retention by tackling the issues that matter to staff including promoting flexible working, improving staff health and wellbeing, and dealing with violence, racism, and sexual harassment in the NHS workplace. They will provide a framework for leaders across the NHS to build a supportive culture that embeds retention.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the adequacy of the workforce capacity in community settings to help reduce pressure on elective backlogs.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The 10-Year Health Plan committed to shifting care from the hospital to the community and to introducing Neighbourhood Health Services to bring together teams of professionals closer to people’s homes to work together to provide comprehensive care in the community. We will publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan to create a workforce ready to deliver these transformed services. The plan will ensure that the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department has reviewed the (a) confirmation, (b) tracking and (c) communication of British Sign Language interpreter bookings between HMCTS staff and jurors.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Ministry of Justice is committed to ensuring fairness and accessibility of services for all participants, including deaf jurors.

Whilst HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) does not record protected characteristics of jurors in respect of complaints, an interrogation of data held suggests that in the last 12 months, HMCTS is aware of one instance where a juror needing a British Sign Language interpreter was unable to complete their jury service. HMCTS is investigating the circumstances to understand what occurred.

Guidance is in place and is kept under review for HMCTS staff in relation to arranging registered British Sign Language interpreters for jurors.

Deaf relay interpreters are not currently used for juror provision.

The provision of British Sign Language interpreters to the Ministry of Justice is provided by Clarion UK Ltd. Detailed guidance and training is provided to courts and tribunals staff responsible for booking interpreters to ensure they follow the correct processes and book suitably qualified interpreters. The supplier provides confirmation of a booking once an interpreter is allocated and this is monitored throughout the booking duration. The Ministry of Justice maintains strong governance through a dedicated Commercial and Contract Management team, ensuring the provider is held accountable and the service is delivered to agreed standards.

Jurors are proactively updated about changes in booking arrangements, and provided with written induction materials, interpreter oaths and relevant guidance documents. Where appropriate, jurors requiring BSL interpretation may also be invited to a pre-court visit with an interpreter present. This enables them to familiarise themselves with the courtroom, ask questions about the process and discuss their needs, helping to reduce anxiety and build confidence before their service begins.

HMCTS keeps operational guidance, training and processes under regular review.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people have been unable to complete jury service because of a lack of British Sign Language provision in the last 12 months.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Ministry of Justice is committed to ensuring fairness and accessibility of services for all participants, including deaf jurors.

Whilst HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) does not record protected characteristics of jurors in respect of complaints, an interrogation of data held suggests that in the last 12 months, HMCTS is aware of one instance where a juror needing a British Sign Language interpreter was unable to complete their jury service. HMCTS is investigating the circumstances to understand what occurred.

Guidance is in place and is kept under review for HMCTS staff in relation to arranging registered British Sign Language interpreters for jurors.

Deaf relay interpreters are not currently used for juror provision.

The provision of British Sign Language interpreters to the Ministry of Justice is provided by Clarion UK Ltd. Detailed guidance and training is provided to courts and tribunals staff responsible for booking interpreters to ensure they follow the correct processes and book suitably qualified interpreters. The supplier provides confirmation of a booking once an interpreter is allocated and this is monitored throughout the booking duration. The Ministry of Justice maintains strong governance through a dedicated Commercial and Contract Management team, ensuring the provider is held accountable and the service is delivered to agreed standards.

Jurors are proactively updated about changes in booking arrangements, and provided with written induction materials, interpreter oaths and relevant guidance documents. Where appropriate, jurors requiring BSL interpretation may also be invited to a pre-court visit with an interpreter present. This enables them to familiarise themselves with the courtroom, ask questions about the process and discuss their needs, helping to reduce anxiety and build confidence before their service begins.

HMCTS keeps operational guidance, training and processes under regular review.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether guidance has been issued to HM Courts and Tribunals Service staff on arranging (a) registered sign language interpreters and (b) deaf relay interpreters for jurors.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Ministry of Justice is committed to ensuring fairness and accessibility of services for all participants, including deaf jurors.

Whilst HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) does not record protected characteristics of jurors in respect of complaints, an interrogation of data held suggests that in the last 12 months, HMCTS is aware of one instance where a juror needing a British Sign Language interpreter was unable to complete their jury service. HMCTS is investigating the circumstances to understand what occurred.

Guidance is in place and is kept under review for HMCTS staff in relation to arranging registered British Sign Language interpreters for jurors.

Deaf relay interpreters are not currently used for juror provision.

The provision of British Sign Language interpreters to the Ministry of Justice is provided by Clarion UK Ltd. Detailed guidance and training is provided to courts and tribunals staff responsible for booking interpreters to ensure they follow the correct processes and book suitably qualified interpreters. The supplier provides confirmation of a booking once an interpreter is allocated and this is monitored throughout the booking duration. The Ministry of Justice maintains strong governance through a dedicated Commercial and Contract Management team, ensuring the provider is held accountable and the service is delivered to agreed standards.

Jurors are proactively updated about changes in booking arrangements, and provided with written induction materials, interpreter oaths and relevant guidance documents. Where appropriate, jurors requiring BSL interpretation may also be invited to a pre-court visit with an interpreter present. This enables them to familiarise themselves with the courtroom, ask questions about the process and discuss their needs, helping to reduce anxiety and build confidence before their service begins.

HMCTS keeps operational guidance, training and processes under regular review.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to assess the potential impact of centralised specialist services on patient outcomes for different blood cancers.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Reducing the number of lives lost to cancer is a key aim of the National Cancer Plan, which will be published later this year. The plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, including blood cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, ultimately driving up this country’s cancer survival rates. The National Cancer Plan will have patients at its heart, and the Department has been working closely with patient organisations and other cancer partners as part of our engagement to inform the development of the plan. This includes patient and family engagement events with partners such as Macmillan and Maggies, and engagement with blood cancer charities and the NHS Patient and Public Voice Forum.

Early diagnosis is a key focus of the National Cancer Plan. It is a priority for the Government to support the National Health Service to diagnose cancer, including blood cancers, as early and quickly as possible, and to treat it faster, to improve outcomes. To tackle the late diagnoses of blood cancers, the NHS is implementing non-specific symptom pathways for patients who present with symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue, which do not clearly align to a tumour type. Blood cancers are one of the most common cancer types diagnosed through these pathways. We will get the NHS diagnosing blood cancers earlier and treating them faster, and we will support the NHS to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment, including for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners. Furthermore, the 10-Year Health Plan’s commitment to putting digital health at the heart of the future health service, and integrating that with a single patient record and neighbourhood health services, will mean that cancer patients will get the joined-up care they deserve.

The National Cancer Plan will also seek to ensure that high-quality care is available to patients across the country, including patients in rural areas. This will build on the current national cancer audits, which are seeking to promote best practice and aim to reduce inequalities in the access to, or the quality of, treatment. Further details on the steps that will be taken to achieve this will be set out in the plan. Service providers are responsible for making clinical decisions about prioritisation in response to capacity constraints, taking into consideration national guidance, and access and waiting time standards, so that patients are prioritised.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potential treatment for a range of malignant and non-malignant indications, including myeloma. HSCT is a specialised service and is the commissioning responsibility of integrated care boards.

NHS England is the accountable commissioner for HSCT and has published a national service specification that all commissioned HSCT services need to meet. The list of commissioned indications is covered by the NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Haematopoietic-Stem-Cell-Transplantation-HSCT-All-Ages.pdf

There are currently no plans to expand the number of specialised centres that deliver HSCT treatments.

Blood cancer in and of itself is not a disease that is specialised, however, some of the treatments used to manage blood cancers are within specialised services, such as HSCT. NHS England publishes national service specifications for specialised services and monitors the quality-of-service provision and patient outcomes via the NHS England quality dashboards, and in the case of HSCT, by also reviewing the service-level reports published by the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. The findings of the reviews of these reports are discussed with NHS England regional teams who determine any appropriate action that needs to be taken with the providers within their region.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department is taking steps with patient organisations to understand barriers to blood cancer care in local communities.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Reducing the number of lives lost to cancer is a key aim of the National Cancer Plan, which will be published later this year. The plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, including blood cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, ultimately driving up this country’s cancer survival rates. The National Cancer Plan will have patients at its heart, and the Department has been working closely with patient organisations and other cancer partners as part of our engagement to inform the development of the plan. This includes patient and family engagement events with partners such as Macmillan and Maggies, and engagement with blood cancer charities and the NHS Patient and Public Voice Forum.

Early diagnosis is a key focus of the National Cancer Plan. It is a priority for the Government to support the National Health Service to diagnose cancer, including blood cancers, as early and quickly as possible, and to treat it faster, to improve outcomes. To tackle the late diagnoses of blood cancers, the NHS is implementing non-specific symptom pathways for patients who present with symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue, which do not clearly align to a tumour type. Blood cancers are one of the most common cancer types diagnosed through these pathways. We will get the NHS diagnosing blood cancers earlier and treating them faster, and we will support the NHS to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment, including for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners. Furthermore, the 10-Year Health Plan’s commitment to putting digital health at the heart of the future health service, and integrating that with a single patient record and neighbourhood health services, will mean that cancer patients will get the joined-up care they deserve.

The National Cancer Plan will also seek to ensure that high-quality care is available to patients across the country, including patients in rural areas. This will build on the current national cancer audits, which are seeking to promote best practice and aim to reduce inequalities in the access to, or the quality of, treatment. Further details on the steps that will be taken to achieve this will be set out in the plan. Service providers are responsible for making clinical decisions about prioritisation in response to capacity constraints, taking into consideration national guidance, and access and waiting time standards, so that patients are prioritised.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potential treatment for a range of malignant and non-malignant indications, including myeloma. HSCT is a specialised service and is the commissioning responsibility of integrated care boards.

NHS England is the accountable commissioner for HSCT and has published a national service specification that all commissioned HSCT services need to meet. The list of commissioned indications is covered by the NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Haematopoietic-Stem-Cell-Transplantation-HSCT-All-Ages.pdf

There are currently no plans to expand the number of specialised centres that deliver HSCT treatments.

Blood cancer in and of itself is not a disease that is specialised, however, some of the treatments used to manage blood cancers are within specialised services, such as HSCT. NHS England publishes national service specifications for specialised services and monitors the quality-of-service provision and patient outcomes via the NHS England quality dashboards, and in the case of HSCT, by also reviewing the service-level reports published by the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. The findings of the reviews of these reports are discussed with NHS England regional teams who determine any appropriate action that needs to be taken with the providers within their region.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to issue guidance to NHS trusts on prioritising blood cancer patients for treatment when demand exceeds capacity.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Reducing the number of lives lost to cancer is a key aim of the National Cancer Plan, which will be published later this year. The plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, including blood cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, ultimately driving up this country’s cancer survival rates. The National Cancer Plan will have patients at its heart, and the Department has been working closely with patient organisations and other cancer partners as part of our engagement to inform the development of the plan. This includes patient and family engagement events with partners such as Macmillan and Maggies, and engagement with blood cancer charities and the NHS Patient and Public Voice Forum.

Early diagnosis is a key focus of the National Cancer Plan. It is a priority for the Government to support the National Health Service to diagnose cancer, including blood cancers, as early and quickly as possible, and to treat it faster, to improve outcomes. To tackle the late diagnoses of blood cancers, the NHS is implementing non-specific symptom pathways for patients who present with symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue, which do not clearly align to a tumour type. Blood cancers are one of the most common cancer types diagnosed through these pathways. We will get the NHS diagnosing blood cancers earlier and treating them faster, and we will support the NHS to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment, including for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners. Furthermore, the 10-Year Health Plan’s commitment to putting digital health at the heart of the future health service, and integrating that with a single patient record and neighbourhood health services, will mean that cancer patients will get the joined-up care they deserve.

The National Cancer Plan will also seek to ensure that high-quality care is available to patients across the country, including patients in rural areas. This will build on the current national cancer audits, which are seeking to promote best practice and aim to reduce inequalities in the access to, or the quality of, treatment. Further details on the steps that will be taken to achieve this will be set out in the plan. Service providers are responsible for making clinical decisions about prioritisation in response to capacity constraints, taking into consideration national guidance, and access and waiting time standards, so that patients are prioritised.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potential treatment for a range of malignant and non-malignant indications, including myeloma. HSCT is a specialised service and is the commissioning responsibility of integrated care boards.

NHS England is the accountable commissioner for HSCT and has published a national service specification that all commissioned HSCT services need to meet. The list of commissioned indications is covered by the NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Haematopoietic-Stem-Cell-Transplantation-HSCT-All-Ages.pdf

There are currently no plans to expand the number of specialised centres that deliver HSCT treatments.

Blood cancer in and of itself is not a disease that is specialised, however, some of the treatments used to manage blood cancers are within specialised services, such as HSCT. NHS England publishes national service specifications for specialised services and monitors the quality-of-service provision and patient outcomes via the NHS England quality dashboards, and in the case of HSCT, by also reviewing the service-level reports published by the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. The findings of the reviews of these reports are discussed with NHS England regional teams who determine any appropriate action that needs to be taken with the providers within their region.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to consider patient feedback when developing the national cancer plan for blood cancers.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Reducing the number of lives lost to cancer is a key aim of the National Cancer Plan, which will be published later this year. The plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, including blood cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, ultimately driving up this country’s cancer survival rates. The National Cancer Plan will have patients at its heart, and the Department has been working closely with patient organisations and other cancer partners as part of our engagement to inform the development of the plan. This includes patient and family engagement events with partners such as Macmillan and Maggies, and engagement with blood cancer charities and the NHS Patient and Public Voice Forum.

Early diagnosis is a key focus of the National Cancer Plan. It is a priority for the Government to support the National Health Service to diagnose cancer, including blood cancers, as early and quickly as possible, and to treat it faster, to improve outcomes. To tackle the late diagnoses of blood cancers, the NHS is implementing non-specific symptom pathways for patients who present with symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue, which do not clearly align to a tumour type. Blood cancers are one of the most common cancer types diagnosed through these pathways. We will get the NHS diagnosing blood cancers earlier and treating them faster, and we will support the NHS to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment, including for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners. Furthermore, the 10-Year Health Plan’s commitment to putting digital health at the heart of the future health service, and integrating that with a single patient record and neighbourhood health services, will mean that cancer patients will get the joined-up care they deserve.

The National Cancer Plan will also seek to ensure that high-quality care is available to patients across the country, including patients in rural areas. This will build on the current national cancer audits, which are seeking to promote best practice and aim to reduce inequalities in the access to, or the quality of, treatment. Further details on the steps that will be taken to achieve this will be set out in the plan. Service providers are responsible for making clinical decisions about prioritisation in response to capacity constraints, taking into consideration national guidance, and access and waiting time standards, so that patients are prioritised.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potential treatment for a range of malignant and non-malignant indications, including myeloma. HSCT is a specialised service and is the commissioning responsibility of integrated care boards.

NHS England is the accountable commissioner for HSCT and has published a national service specification that all commissioned HSCT services need to meet. The list of commissioned indications is covered by the NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Haematopoietic-Stem-Cell-Transplantation-HSCT-All-Ages.pdf

There are currently no plans to expand the number of specialised centres that deliver HSCT treatments.

Blood cancer in and of itself is not a disease that is specialised, however, some of the treatments used to manage blood cancers are within specialised services, such as HSCT. NHS England publishes national service specifications for specialised services and monitors the quality-of-service provision and patient outcomes via the NHS England quality dashboards, and in the case of HSCT, by also reviewing the service-level reports published by the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. The findings of the reviews of these reports are discussed with NHS England regional teams who determine any appropriate action that needs to be taken with the providers within their region.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to expand the number of specialist centres for myeloma treatment.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Reducing the number of lives lost to cancer is a key aim of the National Cancer Plan, which will be published later this year. The plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, including blood cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, ultimately driving up this country’s cancer survival rates. The National Cancer Plan will have patients at its heart, and the Department has been working closely with patient organisations and other cancer partners as part of our engagement to inform the development of the plan. This includes patient and family engagement events with partners such as Macmillan and Maggies, and engagement with blood cancer charities and the NHS Patient and Public Voice Forum.

Early diagnosis is a key focus of the National Cancer Plan. It is a priority for the Government to support the National Health Service to diagnose cancer, including blood cancers, as early and quickly as possible, and to treat it faster, to improve outcomes. To tackle the late diagnoses of blood cancers, the NHS is implementing non-specific symptom pathways for patients who present with symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue, which do not clearly align to a tumour type. Blood cancers are one of the most common cancer types diagnosed through these pathways. We will get the NHS diagnosing blood cancers earlier and treating them faster, and we will support the NHS to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment, including for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners. Furthermore, the 10-Year Health Plan’s commitment to putting digital health at the heart of the future health service, and integrating that with a single patient record and neighbourhood health services, will mean that cancer patients will get the joined-up care they deserve.

The National Cancer Plan will also seek to ensure that high-quality care is available to patients across the country, including patients in rural areas. This will build on the current national cancer audits, which are seeking to promote best practice and aim to reduce inequalities in the access to, or the quality of, treatment. Further details on the steps that will be taken to achieve this will be set out in the plan. Service providers are responsible for making clinical decisions about prioritisation in response to capacity constraints, taking into consideration national guidance, and access and waiting time standards, so that patients are prioritised.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potential treatment for a range of malignant and non-malignant indications, including myeloma. HSCT is a specialised service and is the commissioning responsibility of integrated care boards.

NHS England is the accountable commissioner for HSCT and has published a national service specification that all commissioned HSCT services need to meet. The list of commissioned indications is covered by the NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Haematopoietic-Stem-Cell-Transplantation-HSCT-All-Ages.pdf

There are currently no plans to expand the number of specialised centres that deliver HSCT treatments.

Blood cancer in and of itself is not a disease that is specialised, however, some of the treatments used to manage blood cancers are within specialised services, such as HSCT. NHS England publishes national service specifications for specialised services and monitors the quality-of-service provision and patient outcomes via the NHS England quality dashboards, and in the case of HSCT, by also reviewing the service-level reports published by the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. The findings of the reviews of these reports are discussed with NHS England regional teams who determine any appropriate action that needs to be taken with the providers within their region.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of data sharing between hospitals and primary care in improving early diagnosis of blood cancers.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Reducing the number of lives lost to cancer is a key aim of the National Cancer Plan, which will be published later this year. The plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, including blood cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, ultimately driving up this country’s cancer survival rates. The National Cancer Plan will have patients at its heart, and the Department has been working closely with patient organisations and other cancer partners as part of our engagement to inform the development of the plan. This includes patient and family engagement events with partners such as Macmillan and Maggies, and engagement with blood cancer charities and the NHS Patient and Public Voice Forum.

Early diagnosis is a key focus of the National Cancer Plan. It is a priority for the Government to support the National Health Service to diagnose cancer, including blood cancers, as early and quickly as possible, and to treat it faster, to improve outcomes. To tackle the late diagnoses of blood cancers, the NHS is implementing non-specific symptom pathways for patients who present with symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue, which do not clearly align to a tumour type. Blood cancers are one of the most common cancer types diagnosed through these pathways. We will get the NHS diagnosing blood cancers earlier and treating them faster, and we will support the NHS to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment, including for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners. Furthermore, the 10-Year Health Plan’s commitment to putting digital health at the heart of the future health service, and integrating that with a single patient record and neighbourhood health services, will mean that cancer patients will get the joined-up care they deserve.

The National Cancer Plan will also seek to ensure that high-quality care is available to patients across the country, including patients in rural areas. This will build on the current national cancer audits, which are seeking to promote best practice and aim to reduce inequalities in the access to, or the quality of, treatment. Further details on the steps that will be taken to achieve this will be set out in the plan. Service providers are responsible for making clinical decisions about prioritisation in response to capacity constraints, taking into consideration national guidance, and access and waiting time standards, so that patients are prioritised.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potential treatment for a range of malignant and non-malignant indications, including myeloma. HSCT is a specialised service and is the commissioning responsibility of integrated care boards.

NHS England is the accountable commissioner for HSCT and has published a national service specification that all commissioned HSCT services need to meet. The list of commissioned indications is covered by the NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Haematopoietic-Stem-Cell-Transplantation-HSCT-All-Ages.pdf

There are currently no plans to expand the number of specialised centres that deliver HSCT treatments.

Blood cancer in and of itself is not a disease that is specialised, however, some of the treatments used to manage blood cancers are within specialised services, such as HSCT. NHS England publishes national service specifications for specialised services and monitors the quality-of-service provision and patient outcomes via the NHS England quality dashboards, and in the case of HSCT, by also reviewing the service-level reports published by the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. The findings of the reviews of these reports are discussed with NHS England regional teams who determine any appropriate action that needs to be taken with the providers within their region.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure equitable access to specialist blood cancer treatment for patients in rural areas.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Reducing the number of lives lost to cancer is a key aim of the National Cancer Plan, which will be published later this year. The plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, including blood cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, ultimately driving up this country’s cancer survival rates. The National Cancer Plan will have patients at its heart, and the Department has been working closely with patient organisations and other cancer partners as part of our engagement to inform the development of the plan. This includes patient and family engagement events with partners such as Macmillan and Maggies, and engagement with blood cancer charities and the NHS Patient and Public Voice Forum.

Early diagnosis is a key focus of the National Cancer Plan. It is a priority for the Government to support the National Health Service to diagnose cancer, including blood cancers, as early and quickly as possible, and to treat it faster, to improve outcomes. To tackle the late diagnoses of blood cancers, the NHS is implementing non-specific symptom pathways for patients who present with symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue, which do not clearly align to a tumour type. Blood cancers are one of the most common cancer types diagnosed through these pathways. We will get the NHS diagnosing blood cancers earlier and treating them faster, and we will support the NHS to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment, including for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners. Furthermore, the 10-Year Health Plan’s commitment to putting digital health at the heart of the future health service, and integrating that with a single patient record and neighbourhood health services, will mean that cancer patients will get the joined-up care they deserve.

The National Cancer Plan will also seek to ensure that high-quality care is available to patients across the country, including patients in rural areas. This will build on the current national cancer audits, which are seeking to promote best practice and aim to reduce inequalities in the access to, or the quality of, treatment. Further details on the steps that will be taken to achieve this will be set out in the plan. Service providers are responsible for making clinical decisions about prioritisation in response to capacity constraints, taking into consideration national guidance, and access and waiting time standards, so that patients are prioritised.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potential treatment for a range of malignant and non-malignant indications, including myeloma. HSCT is a specialised service and is the commissioning responsibility of integrated care boards.

NHS England is the accountable commissioner for HSCT and has published a national service specification that all commissioned HSCT services need to meet. The list of commissioned indications is covered by the NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Haematopoietic-Stem-Cell-Transplantation-HSCT-All-Ages.pdf

There are currently no plans to expand the number of specialised centres that deliver HSCT treatments.

Blood cancer in and of itself is not a disease that is specialised, however, some of the treatments used to manage blood cancers are within specialised services, such as HSCT. NHS England publishes national service specifications for specialised services and monitors the quality-of-service provision and patient outcomes via the NHS England quality dashboards, and in the case of HSCT, by also reviewing the service-level reports published by the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. The findings of the reviews of these reports are discussed with NHS England regional teams who determine any appropriate action that needs to be taken with the providers within their region.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve five-year survival rates for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Reducing the number of lives lost to cancer is a key aim of the National Cancer Plan, which will be published later this year. The plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, including blood cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, ultimately driving up this country’s cancer survival rates. The National Cancer Plan will have patients at its heart, and the Department has been working closely with patient organisations and other cancer partners as part of our engagement to inform the development of the plan. This includes patient and family engagement events with partners such as Macmillan and Maggies, and engagement with blood cancer charities and the NHS Patient and Public Voice Forum.

Early diagnosis is a key focus of the National Cancer Plan. It is a priority for the Government to support the National Health Service to diagnose cancer, including blood cancers, as early and quickly as possible, and to treat it faster, to improve outcomes. To tackle the late diagnoses of blood cancers, the NHS is implementing non-specific symptom pathways for patients who present with symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue, which do not clearly align to a tumour type. Blood cancers are one of the most common cancer types diagnosed through these pathways. We will get the NHS diagnosing blood cancers earlier and treating them faster, and we will support the NHS to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment, including for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners. Furthermore, the 10-Year Health Plan’s commitment to putting digital health at the heart of the future health service, and integrating that with a single patient record and neighbourhood health services, will mean that cancer patients will get the joined-up care they deserve.

The National Cancer Plan will also seek to ensure that high-quality care is available to patients across the country, including patients in rural areas. This will build on the current national cancer audits, which are seeking to promote best practice and aim to reduce inequalities in the access to, or the quality of, treatment. Further details on the steps that will be taken to achieve this will be set out in the plan. Service providers are responsible for making clinical decisions about prioritisation in response to capacity constraints, taking into consideration national guidance, and access and waiting time standards, so that patients are prioritised.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potential treatment for a range of malignant and non-malignant indications, including myeloma. HSCT is a specialised service and is the commissioning responsibility of integrated care boards.

NHS England is the accountable commissioner for HSCT and has published a national service specification that all commissioned HSCT services need to meet. The list of commissioned indications is covered by the NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Haematopoietic-Stem-Cell-Transplantation-HSCT-All-Ages.pdf

There are currently no plans to expand the number of specialised centres that deliver HSCT treatments.

Blood cancer in and of itself is not a disease that is specialised, however, some of the treatments used to manage blood cancers are within specialised services, such as HSCT. NHS England publishes national service specifications for specialised services and monitors the quality-of-service provision and patient outcomes via the NHS England quality dashboards, and in the case of HSCT, by also reviewing the service-level reports published by the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. The findings of the reviews of these reports are discussed with NHS England regional teams who determine any appropriate action that needs to be taken with the providers within their region.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that people presenting with fragility fractures are systematically referred for a bone density scan.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Fracture Liaison Services are commissioned by integrated care boards, which are well-placed to make decisions according to local need.

Our 10-Year Health Plan committed to rolling out Fracture Liaison Services across every part of the country by 2030.

Officials continue to work closely with NHS England to explore a range of options to provide better quality and access to these important preventative services.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions his Department has had with NHS England on incorporating fracture liaison services into the national 10-Year Health Plan.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Fracture Liaison Services are commissioned by integrated care boards, which are well-placed to make decisions according to local need.

Our 10-Year Health Plan committed to rolling out Fracture Liaison Services across every part of the country by 2030.

Officials continue to work closely with NHS England to explore a range of options to provide better quality and access to these important preventative services.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress he has made on rolling out Fracture Liaison Services in all NHS Trusts in England.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Fracture Liaison Services are commissioned by integrated care boards, which are well-placed to make decisions according to local need.

Our 10-Year Health Plan committed to rolling out Fracture Liaison Services across every part of the country by 2030.

Officials continue to work closely with NHS England to explore a range of options to provide better quality and access to these important preventative services.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his planned timetable is for the national roll-out of Fracture Liaison Services.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Fracture Liaison Services are commissioned by integrated care boards, which are well-placed to make decisions according to local need.

Our 10-Year Health Plan committed to rolling out Fracture Liaison Services across every part of the country by 2030.

Officials continue to work closely with NHS England to explore a range of options to provide better quality and access to these important preventative services.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that every NHS Trust in England commissions a Fracture Liaison Service.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Fracture Liaison Services are commissioned by integrated care boards, which are well-placed to make decisions according to local need.

Our 10-Year Health Plan committed to rolling out Fracture Liaison Services across every part of the country by 2030.

Officials continue to work closely with NHS England to explore a range of options to provide better quality and access to these important preventative services.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of increased business rates on the viability of large-format retail stores.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

We are creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.

From 2026-27, the Government intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties with rateable values (RVs) under £500,000. The Government intends to fund this by introducing a higher multiplier on properties with RVs of £500,000 or more. These high-value properties cover the majority of large distribution warehouses, including those used by the online giants.

The final design of the new multipliers, including the rates, will be set at Budget 2025 so that we can take into account the upcoming revaluation outcomes, as well as the economic and fiscal context. When the new multipliers are set at Budget 2025, we intend to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate his Department has made of the cost savings to the NHS from the expansion of Fracture Liaison Services in England.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Potential cost savings to the National Health Service from the expansion of Fracture Liaison Services will be taken into consideration in future policy development.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential long-term fiscal impact of closures in the hospitality sector on local economies.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government values the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK.

The Government closely monitors the health of different sectors across the UK economy and regularly engages with the hospitality sector. The recent Spending Review set out our new long-term local growth programmes to invest in communities across the UK, including to support local high streets and their hospitality businesses.

The hospitality sector makes significant contribution the exchequer, the UK economy, and society. We are determined to support hospitality businesses to succeed. We will introduce a permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000 from 2026-27. Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, we extended the RHL relief for 2025-26 at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and frozen the small business multiplier.

In addition, we:

• increased the Employment Allowance to £10,500;
• established the Licensing Taskforce and issued a call for evidence on a National Licensing Policy Framework which will set out national direction for licensing authorities to consider economic growth and cultural value,
• introduced the English Devolution Bill, which will protect hospitality businesses from upward only rent clauses, and;
• are introducing a strong new ‘Community Right to Buy’ to help communities safeguard valued community assets – such as pubs.

We will continue to work with the hospitality sector to help drive economic growth, regenerate our high streets, and support vibrant and healthy communities across the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to extend VAT relief for hospitality businesses.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK.

VAT is the UK’s third largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for vital public services and must represent value for money for the taxpayer.

HMRC estimate that the cost of a 5 per cent reduced rate for accommodation, hospitality and tourist attractions would be around £13 billion this financial year. If the scope were also to include alcoholic beverages, the cost would be approximately £3 billion greater.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the financial contribution of the hospitality sector to the Exchequer.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government values the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK.

HMRC does not hold aggregated data on the financial contribution of the hospitality sector to the Exchequer, but sectoral breakdowns for individual taxes can be found on gov.UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made on the potential impact of changes to alcohol duty reforms on the (a) pub and (b) hospitality sector.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Following public consultation, a new duty structure for alcohol products was introduced in August 2023.

The alcohol duty system taxes all alcohol products according to their strength, so the duty owed increases with alcohol content. The system is also progressive, ensuring that higher strength products pay proportionately more tax

The 2023 reforms significantly reduced previous inconsistencies in treatment between different types of alcohol product and introduced two new reliefs: Draught Relief (DR); and Small Producer Relief (SPR).

DR enables products served on draught below 8.5 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV) to pay less duty. This relief provides support to pubs and other hospitality venues, as well as helping producers of eligible products.

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Chancellor made DR more generous by cutting draught rates by 1.7%, taking a penny of duty off a typical strength pint.

SPR replaced and extended the previous Small Brewers Relief. SPR supports SMEs and new entrants by permitting smaller producers who make 4,500 hectolitres or less of alcohol per year to pay reduced duty rates on all products below 8.5 per cent ABV.

HMRC plans to evaluate the new rates and structures three years after the changes took effect on 1 August 2023.  This will allow time for HMRC to gather a broad range of data. The Government welcomes evidence from industry on the impact of the changes so far.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to promote hospitality careers to young people through (a) schools and (b) colleges.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Our ambition is for everyone to have access to impartial careers information, advice and guidance throughout their lives, to break down barriers to opportunity and drive economic growth.

We fund the Careers and Enterprise Company to support schools and colleges to deliver high quality careers programmes and increase young people’s exposure to different sectors, including hospitality.

96% (4,942) of schools and colleges in England are part of our national network of careers hubs. These hubs connect educators to employers, local authorities and sector bodies, including the Food and Drink Consortium and UK Hospitality. They provide insight into roles and pathways into all sectors, resources developed by employers to support careers learning in education, help to identify work experience opportunities and tailor careers advice to local need.

Our Skills for Careers website has a dedicated page for young people to explore careers across sectors, including hospitality, and can be accessed here: https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/common/career-ideas.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many full time equivalent NHS dentists were working in (a) the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees and (b) the North East on 10 October 2025.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The latest available National Health Service workforce statistics reflect the situation as of December 2024. According to this data, there were 623 Full Time Equivalent NHS dentists within the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board area. The NHS vacancy rate was 19%.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of NHS dentist posts are unfilled in the (a) Borough of Stockton-on-Tees and (b) North East.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The latest available National Health Service workforce statistics reflect the situation as of December 2024. According to this data, there were 623 Full Time Equivalent NHS dentists within the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board area. The NHS vacancy rate was 19%.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make it her policy to ensure that recovered life jackets are not re-entered into circulation for use in further crossings.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

The majority of life jackets seized arrive in very poor condition and may be damaged during the recovery process, and are disposed of by Border Force’s approved contractors and, where appropriate, any suitable materials are recycled.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department holds information on the reuse of life jackets recovered from small boat crossings by criminal gangs.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

The majority of life jackets seized arrive in very poor condition and may be damaged during the recovery process, and are disposed of by Border Force’s approved contractors and, where appropriate, any suitable materials are recycled.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of small business rate relief on the viability of small hospitality businesses.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.

As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026-27.

Over a third of properties (more than 700,000) already pay no business rates as they receive 100 per cent Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR), with an additional c.60,000 benefiting from reduced bills as this relief tapers.

The Transforming Business Rates: Interim Report, published on 11 September, brings together extensive feedback from a broad range of stakeholders and outlines the Government’s next steps to deliver a fairer business rates system, that supports investment and is fit for the 21st century. This includes exploring a number of reforms to incentivise investment and improve the operation of the business rates system, including how SBRR could be enhanced to more effectively support investment and expansion among small businesses.

The Government will provide a further update at the Budget. Transforming the business rates system is a multi-year process. The Government will consider reforms beyond Budget 2025, and any reforms taken forward will be phased over the course of the Parliament.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with industry representatives on ensuring fair access to finance for hospitality businesses.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to supporting the hospitality sector and officials in the Treasury and the Department of Business and Trade engage regularly with stakeholders in the sector to understand their views. We are dedicated to ensuring that businesses across the UK, including those in the hospitality sector, can access the capital they need to grow.

While the provision of financial services to companies is largely a commercial matter, the Government believes all customers should be treated fairly. The UK has a diverse and competitive financial services sector and businesses should consider a range of providers for their finance needs, as this encourages competition, improves choice, and helps keep prices competitive.

Working with the British Business Bank (BBB), we are delivering a range of targeted interventions for businesses, including those in the hospitality sector, such as loan guarantee programmes and equity investments, designed to address regional funding gaps and unlock investment opportunities.

The recent Spending Review settlement has increased the BBB’s total financial capacity to £25.6 billion, a two-thirds uplift compared to previous years, enabling the Bank to back tens of billions of pounds’ worth of additional lending and investment to SMEs and scale-ups.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that employees in the oil and gas industry in England have adequate skills to find new employment.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We will shortly be publishing a clean energy workforce strategy which will set out our approach to upskilling and reskilling the workforce into clean energy roles through initiatives including the Energy Skills Passport, in collaboration with industry, which is helping oil and gas workers to identify routes into roles in offshore wind including construction and maintenance.

The skills system is delivering training for existing workers looking to retrain or upskill into clean energy. Support includes the announcement of 10 Technical Excellence Colleges for construction, which will transform existing further education colleges to deliver the skills needed for growth-driving sectors like clean energy; the Growth and Skills levy to deliver greater flexibility for learners and employers in England; and Skill Bootcamps to address the need for clean energy skills where this reflects regional priorities.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what criteria his Department has used to identify which areas are in greatest need of increased numbers of NHS dental professionals; and how many of those areas are in the (a) Borough of Stockton-on-Tees, (b) Tees Valley Mayoral Authority Area and (c) North East.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The responsibility for commissioning primary care dentistry to meet the needs of the local population is delegated to the integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. Dental practices in specific areas, determined locally as experiencing significant dental pressures due to workforce challenges impacting patient access, were invited by their ICBs to express interest in participating in the scheme and were notified of the outcome of their application via their ICB.

ICBs have started to recruit posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years.

As of 22 September 2025, in England there were 97 dentists in post with a further eight dentists who have been recruited but are yet to start in post under this scheme. A further 224 posts are currently being advertised.

NHS England has published findings from its dental workforce survey, including national and regional vacancy rates. The most recent publication reports the position as of the end of December 2024. This is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/dental-workforce/

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate his Department has made of the number of patients in (a) Stockton West constituency and (b) the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees who are unable to access NHS dentistry services.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Dental Statistics - England 2024-25, published by NHS Business Services Authority on 28 August 2025, is available at the following link:

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/statistical-collections/dental-england/dental-statistics-england-202425

The data for North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), which includes Stockton West and Stockton-on-Tees, shows that 44% of adults were seen by a National Health Service dentist in the previous 24 months up to June 2025, compared to 40% in England; and that 60% of children were seen by an NHS dentist in the previous 12 months up to June 2025, compared to 58% in England.

Additionally, GP Patient Survey results data for the dentistry specific questions, published 24 July 2025, is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/gp-patient-survey-dental-statistics-january-to-march-2025-england/

This data shows that 24% of respondents who had tried to make an NHS dentist appointment in the last two years in North East and North Cumbria ICB did not get an appointment, compared to 21% for the whole of England.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the absence of universal access to fracture liason services on the number of preventable deaths from hip fractures each year.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department has not made an assessment of the impact of Fracture Liaison Services on preventable deaths from hip fractures.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of funding a new hospital to replace the University Hospital of North Tees.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Repairing and rebuilding our healthcare estate is a vital part of our ambition to create a National Health Service that is fit for the future through our 10-Year Health Plan.

We recognise that delivering high quality NHS healthcare services requires safe, sustainable, and effective infrastructure. That is why we prioritised investment in healthcare at the recent Spending Review, which delivered the largest ever health capital budget.

However, the New Hospital Programme (NHP) is the current mechanism for the delivery of hospitals and there are currently no plans to invite further schemes to join the NHP. The focus of the NHP is on delivery aligned to our Plan for Implementation. As such, the Department has made no assessment of the potential merits of funding a new hospital to replace the University Hospital of North Tees.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the NHS is taking to improve access to clinical trials for people with rare blood cancers.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department is committed to ensuring that all patients in the National Health Service, including those with rare blood cancers, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.

The Department-funded National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funds research and research infrastructure, which supports NHS patients, the public, and NHS organisations across England, to participate in high-quality research, including clinical trials into rare blood cancers. NIHR infrastructure schemes aim to build research capacity and capability across all geographies, settings, and disease areas within the NHS.

The forthcoming National Cancer Plan will include further details on how we will improve access to clinical trials in the NHS for cancer patients across the country, including patients with rare cancers.

The Government also supports the Rare Cancers Bill and its ambitions to incentivise clinical trials and access to innovative treatments for rare cancers.

The NIHR provides an online service called 'Be Part of Research', which promotes participation in health and social care research by allowing users to search for relevant studies and register their interest. This makes it easier for people to find and take part in health and care research that is relevant to them, including research into blood cancer.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps she is taking to support hospitality businesses with energy costs.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

By building a diverse low carbon energy system, the government is taking the long term decisions that will make the most of our abundant natural resources to protect businesses from future price shocks. To support businesses now, the government is offering free carbon foot printing and energy-saving support to 615 small and medium-sized hospitality businesses as part of a 12-month trial.

More broadly, we are determined to support retail businesses to succeed against a difficult economic backdrop. We will introduce a permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000 from 2026-27. Ahead of this being introduced, we extended the RHL relief for 2025-26 at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and froze the small business multiplier.

In addition, we:

• increased the Employment Allowance to £10,500; shielding the smallest retail businesses the from the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance;
• established the Licensing Taskforce and issued a call for evidence on a National Licensing Policy Framework which will set out national direction for licensing authorities to consider economic growth and cultural value;
• introduced the English Devolution Bill, which will protect hospitality businesses from upward only rent clauses, and;
• are introducing a strong new ‘Community Right to Buy’ to help communities safeguard valued community assets – such as pubs.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) general practitioners and (b) hospital doctors receive training on (i) Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and (ii) other rare conditions.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England commissions a national diagnostic service for complex and rare types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) via two specialist centres. This service supports patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnoses of rare types like classical, vascular, or kyphoscoliotic EDS, and aims to provide accurate diagnoses, minimise unnecessary tests, and provide management plans for local care providers to implement.

A primary goal of the Complex EDS Service, which is commissioned by NHS England, is to educate referring doctors about the diagnosis, investigation, and management of patients with complex and atypical forms of EDS. While the service focuses on rare types and accepts referrals from secondary and tertiary care, its development of guidelines and educational initiatives also benefits general practitioners (GPs), who are on the front line of patient care. Additionally, other resources like the EDS GP Toolkit, developed by the Royal College of General Practitioners and Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, is specifically designed to provide information and guidance to GPs.

For the more common types of EDS, diagnosis and management are handled locally and are commissioned by integrated care boards (ICBs), which have a statutory responsibility to commission services which meet the needs of their local populations, including for those with EDS. It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.

Neighbourhood Health Centres, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, will improve care for people with EDS by providing integrated, multidisciplinary community-based care and support. This approach will offer a more coordinated and holistic support system for people with complex conditions like EDS.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether NHS England plans to commission dedicated multidisciplinary clinics for patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England commissions a national diagnostic service for complex and rare types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) via two specialist centres. This service supports patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnoses of rare types like classical, vascular, or kyphoscoliotic EDS, and aims to provide accurate diagnoses, minimise unnecessary tests, and provide management plans for local care providers to implement.

A primary goal of the Complex EDS Service, which is commissioned by NHS England, is to educate referring doctors about the diagnosis, investigation, and management of patients with complex and atypical forms of EDS. While the service focuses on rare types and accepts referrals from secondary and tertiary care, its development of guidelines and educational initiatives also benefits general practitioners (GPs), who are on the front line of patient care. Additionally, other resources like the EDS GP Toolkit, developed by the Royal College of General Practitioners and Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, is specifically designed to provide information and guidance to GPs.

For the more common types of EDS, diagnosis and management are handled locally and are commissioned by integrated care boards (ICBs), which have a statutory responsibility to commission services which meet the needs of their local populations, including for those with EDS. It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.

Neighbourhood Health Centres, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, will improve care for people with EDS by providing integrated, multidisciplinary community-based care and support. This approach will offer a more coordinated and holistic support system for people with complex conditions like EDS.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support research into treatments for (a) Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and (b) related conditions.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department funds research on health and social care through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and related conditions.

These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality. Topics for new research can be proposed to the NIHR via the following link:

https://www.nihr.ac.uk/get-involved/suggest-a-research-topic

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with NHS leaders on NHS workforce deployment from areas with staff surpluses to those with acute staffing deficits.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government is committed to publishing a 10 Year Workforce Plan to create a workforce that is ready to deliver the transformed service set out in the 10-Year Health Plan. The plan will ensure that the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate his Department has made of the cost of (a) maintaining facilities at the University Hospital of North Tees and (b) constructing a replacement hospital.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England’s annual Estates Returns Information Collection (ERIC) is our main source of information on the costs of maintaining acute hospital sites, including the University Hospital of North Tees.

The latest published data (2024/25) on costs, including estates and property maintenance and hard and soft facilities management, is available at the following link:

https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/estates-returns-information-collection/summary-page-and-dataset-for-eric-2024-25

The New Hospital Programme (NHP) is the current mechanism for the delivery of hospitals and there are currently no plans to invite further schemes to join the NHP. The focus of the NHP is on delivery aligned to our Plan for Implementation. As such, there are no current estimates of the cost of constructing a replacement hospital.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to include North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust in future phases of the New Hospital Programme.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The focus of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) is on the delivery of schemes in line with the Plan for Implementation. This was deposited into the House Library and is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-hospital-programme-review-outcome

There are currently no plans to invite further schemes to join the NHP.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with (a) NHS England and (b) Tees Valley Combined Authority on options for (i) funding and (ii) delivering a new hospital to serve Teesside.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

We recognise that delivering high quality National Health Service services requires safe, sustainable, and effective infrastructure. That is why we prioritised investment in healthcare at the recent Spending Review 2025 – delivering the largest ever health capital budget.

The New Hospital Programme (NHP) is the current mechanism for the delivery of hospitals and there are currently no plans to invite further schemes to join the NHP. The focus of the NHP is on delivery aligned to our Plan for Implementation. As such, there have been no discussions with NHS England and Tees Valley Combined Authority on options for funding and delivering a new hospital for Teesside.

It is possible that local NHS organisations could develop new health infrastructure using existing funding, short of a new hospital, if it aligns with their local priorities.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of (a) the adequacy of the technology selected by the Data Communications Company for the North of England smart meter rollout and (b) the potential impact on meeting installation targets.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The DCC is obligated to provide WAN coverage to 99.5% of premises across its ‘North’ region, which includes the North of England. After consultation with industry, energy suppliers can now install 4G cellular smart meter communication hubs across the whole of GB. 4G will operate in the North alongside long-range radio communications for smart meters, offering suppliers an additional option for connectivity. Additionally, a new solution using consumers’ broadband connections, with consumer consent, in areas still with no WAN coverage will be piloted early next year, with a wider rollout expected later in 2026.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the proportion of households in the North of England that are unable to connect to the Data Communications Company smart meter network; and what steps he has taken to improve coverage in rural and hard-to-reach locations.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The DCC is obligated to provide WAN coverage to 99.5% of premises across its ‘North’ region, which includes the North of England. After consultation with industry, energy suppliers can now install 4G cellular smart meter communication hubs across the whole of GB. 4G will operate in the North alongside long-range radio communications for smart meters, offering suppliers an additional option for connectivity. Additionally, a new solution using consumers’ broadband connections, with consumer consent, in areas still with no WAN coverage will be piloted early next year, with a wider rollout expected later in 2026.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment his Department has made of the extent of geographical variations in access to services for people with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have a statutory responsibility to commission services which meet the needs of their local population, including for those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.

When commissioning services, ICBs should take into account best practice guidance, such as that published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The NICE guideline Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s provides a framework for healthcare professionals to consistently and effectively assess and manage chronic pain in people aged 16 years old and over.

The 10-Year Health Plan will improve services for people with EDS and other long-term conditions across England by shifting care to the community with neighbourhood teams, expanding access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and using digital innovation to help patients self-manage and receive more integrated, personalised care. This approach aims to provide more proactive and accessible support by bringing services closer to home and making it easier for patients to access the help they need.

We will also publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan to ensure that the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, and with the right skills, to deliver the best care for patients, when they need it, including those with EDS. We have recently published a call for evidence to gather views from stakeholders on the specific professions, roles, skills, and training needed to implement the reforms outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan for England.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome have access to appropriate pain management services.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have a statutory responsibility to commission services which meet the needs of their local population, including for those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.

When commissioning services, ICBs should take into account best practice guidance, such as that published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The NICE guideline Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s provides a framework for healthcare professionals to consistently and effectively assess and manage chronic pain in people aged 16 years old and over.

The 10-Year Health Plan will improve services for people with EDS and other long-term conditions across England by shifting care to the community with neighbourhood teams, expanding access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and using digital innovation to help patients self-manage and receive more integrated, personalised care. This approach aims to provide more proactive and accessible support by bringing services closer to home and making it easier for patients to access the help they need.

We will also publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan to ensure that the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, and with the right skills, to deliver the best care for patients, when they need it, including those with EDS. We have recently published a call for evidence to gather views from stakeholders on the specific professions, roles, skills, and training needed to implement the reforms outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan for England.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to increase the number of clinicians with specialist expertise in (a) diagnosing and (b) treating Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have a statutory responsibility to commission services which meet the needs of their local population, including for those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.

When commissioning services, ICBs should take into account best practice guidance, such as that published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The NICE guideline Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s provides a framework for healthcare professionals to consistently and effectively assess and manage chronic pain in people aged 16 years old and over.

The 10-Year Health Plan will improve services for people with EDS and other long-term conditions across England by shifting care to the community with neighbourhood teams, expanding access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and using digital innovation to help patients self-manage and receive more integrated, personalised care. This approach aims to provide more proactive and accessible support by bringing services closer to home and making it easier for patients to access the help they need.

We will also publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan to ensure that the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, and with the right skills, to deliver the best care for patients, when they need it, including those with EDS. We have recently published a call for evidence to gather views from stakeholders on the specific professions, roles, skills, and training needed to implement the reforms outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan for England.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve access to specialist services for people with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have a statutory responsibility to commission services which meet the needs of their local population, including for those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). It is the responsibility of ICBs, working with clinicians, service users, and patient groups, to develop services and care pathways that meet patients’ needs.

When commissioning services, ICBs should take into account best practice guidance, such as that published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The NICE guideline Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s provides a framework for healthcare professionals to consistently and effectively assess and manage chronic pain in people aged 16 years old and over.

The 10-Year Health Plan will improve services for people with EDS and other long-term conditions across England by shifting care to the community with neighbourhood teams, expanding access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and using digital innovation to help patients self-manage and receive more integrated, personalised care. This approach aims to provide more proactive and accessible support by bringing services closer to home and making it easier for patients to access the help they need.

We will also publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan to ensure that the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, and with the right skills, to deliver the best care for patients, when they need it, including those with EDS. We have recently published a call for evidence to gather views from stakeholders on the specific professions, roles, skills, and training needed to implement the reforms outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan for England.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the number of homes in each region where installed smart meters remain non-functional due to lack of network connection.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department does not hold separate figures on the number of homes with smart meters not sending automatic readings due to lack of Wide Area Network (WAN) signal. The Data Communications Company (DCC) is obligated to provide WAN coverage to 99.25% of premises across GB, with a broadband solution (with consumer consent) soon to become available that will reach more of the premises currently without WAN signal.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans his Department has to review the contractual and regulatory obligations of the Data Communications Company in relation to improving smart meter network connectivity in the North of England.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The DCC is required by licence conditions to seek to provide coverage to all premises where it is practicable and cost proportionate, and to assess opportunities to increase the overall level of coverage. Ofgem is responsible for regulating the DCC against its obligations.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the contribution of hospitality businesses to economic growth in coastal and rural communities.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government recognises the significant role hospitality businesses play in driving economic growth, employment and community cohesion across the UK, especially in coastal and rural areas. That is why we are offering targeted support for the sector, such as the Hospitality Support Scheme to co-invest in projects that boost productivity and help community pubs adapt to local needs.

Whilst there has been no specific assessment on economic contribution for rural or coastal hospitality businesses, in 2024, the hospitality sector contributed £51.5 billion to the UK economy, representing 2.0% of total output.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of skills shortages in the hospitality sector.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Employer Skills Survey provides robust estimates of skills shortages. In 2024, the Hotels and Restaurants sector in England had over 15,000 vacancies that were hard to fill due to a lack of skills, qualifications or experience. This was a decrease from 43,000 in 2022. 21% of all vacancies in this sector were due to a skill shortage, which is lower than the average of 27% across all sectors. The 2024 Employer Skills Survey can be found at: Employer Skills Survey , Calendar year 2024 - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he has taken to support hospitality businesses with cashflow pressures.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government recognises the vital role of hospitality businesses in our communities and economy, and the pressures they face, that’s why we’re taking targeted action to support them.

In April, we launched a Taskforce to consider ways to create a more balanced premises licensing system that not only safeguards communities but also supports responsible businesses. On 7 October the Government issued a Call for Evidence on Reforming the licensing system - GOV.UK (deadline: midday, 6 November 2025). These reforms are part of the Small Business Strategy, which also tackles late payments, improves access to finance, and cuts red tape. We want planning and licensing systems to work fairly for businesses and residents.

Additionally, we’re creating a fairer business rates system, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties under £500,000 rateable value and continue to work closely with the sector, including through the Hospitality Sector Council to boost productivity and resilience by working together to address the challenges facing businesses.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what engagement his Department has had with (a) Ofgem and (b) the Data Communications Company to ensure that households unable to connect to the smart meter network are not excluded from competitive tariffs or financially disadvantaged.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department regularly engages with Ofgem and the Data Communications Company on the smart metering programme. The DCC is obligated to provide WAN coverage to 99.25% of premises across GB and required by licence conditions to seek to provide coverage to all premises where it is practicable and cost proportionate, and to assess opportunities to increase the overall level of coverage. DCC has introduced 4G smart metering communications across GB and is working on a new solution to enable consumer broadband connections (with consumer consent) to carry smart metering communications in this context.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of corporation tax rises on small and medium-sized hospitality businesses.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Businesses in our retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are foundational to our economy and our high streets, and we are supporting them to succeed.

The Government published its Corporate Tax Roadmap at Autumn Budget 2024, which commits to maintaining a competitive and sustainable main rate by capping corporation tax at 25 per cent for the duration of this Parliament. The Roadmap also confirms that the small profits rate will be maintained, so companies with profits of £50,000 or less will continue to pay 19 per cent.

The marginal relief for companies with profits of between £50,000 and £250,000 means only around 6 per cent of actively trading companies pay the full main rate. This structure means that most small and medium-sized businesses, including those in the hospitality sector, do not pay the full rate.

In addition, the Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.

As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with ratable values below £500,000 from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support.

Ahead of these new multipliers being introduced, the Government prevented the current RHL relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business. We have also frozen the small business multiplier.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions her Department has had with international counterparts on approaches to protecting intellectual property rights in the context of generative artificial intelligence.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government has consulted on several topics relating to the interaction between copyright and artificial intelligence (AI), including on the use of copyright material in AI development.

As part of this work, the Government has engaged extensively, both with international counterparts and with industry stakeholders on the interaction between copyright and artificial intelligence (AI).

The Government will review the responses to its consultation carefully as it considers its next steps. The Government will continue to engage extensively on this issue and its proposals will be sent out in due course

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions her Department has had with representatives of the UK’s creative industries on (a) the Government’s proposed exception to copyright for text and data mining and (b) the potential impact of an opt out regime on creators’ rights and incomes.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The government is engaging extensively with stakeholders from the creative industries on copyright and AI. This has included establishing a stakeholder working group to inform policy development.

Three initial stakeholder roundtables were convened in the Summer with representatives of the creative, media and AI sectors, by the Secretaries of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Alongside this, DSIT officials continue to meet with creative industry representatives to discuss the proposals outlined in the consultation on copyright and AI, and their potential impacts.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of stimulating a licensing market for the use of copyrighted creative content by generative artificial intelligence firms.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government consulted on copyright and AI between 17 December 2024 and 25 February 2025. This included seeking views on whether and how the government should support licensing.

Consultation responses are currently being reviewed alongside extensive engagement, which will include a dedicated technical working group on licensing which is due to be established. Together these will inform an assessment of the potential merits of stimulating the licensing market and any next steps to support both the creative and AI sectors. Proposals will be set out in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure that existing copyright law is (a) upheld and (b) enforced in relation to the scraping and use of creative content by generative artificial intelligence developers without permission or payment.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Copying protected material in the UK infringes copyright unless it is licensed, or an exception to copyright applies.

Rights holders are supported to enforce their rights by initiatives such as the streamlined procedures of the UK’s Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC).

The Government consulted on several topics relating to the interaction between copyright and artificial intelligence (AI), including the use of copyright material in AI development.

The Government will review the responses to its consultation carefully as it considers its next steps. The Government continues to engage extensively on this issue and will set our response in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the (a) time taken to diagnose and (b) management of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome on (i) the economy and (ii) workforce participation.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We recognise the negative impact that postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) has on patients, and the cost to health and care services and the wider economy through, for example, loss of work and an increased benefits bill.

Improving health outcomes for everyone living with a long-term condition, including PoTS, is a key part of the Government's mission to build a National Health Service fit for the future.

We are investing in additional capacity to deliver appointments to help bring waiting lists and times down. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the specific productivity and reform efforts needed to return to the constitutional standard, that 92% of patients to wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029.

Additionally, the shifts outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan will free up hospital-based consultants’ time by shifting care from hospitals to communities, utilising digital technology to reduce administrative burdens, and promoting prevention to reduce the onset and severity of conditions that lead to hospital admissions. This includes expanding community-based services, employing artificial intelligence for productivity, developing integrated neighbourhood health teams, and investing in digital tools and data. These shifts will allow specialists to focus on more complex cases of PoTS, enabling earlier identification and management, and improved patient outcomes.

By shifting care into the community through Neighbourhood Health Services, promoting integrated, multidisciplinary models of care, and through the expansion of personalised care plans, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will ensure that people with conditions like PoTS receive more timely and accessible support closer to home.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions his Department has had with NHS England on improving (a) referral pathways and (b) specialist service provision for people with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We recognise the negative impact that postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) has on patients, and the cost to health and care services and the wider economy through, for example, loss of work and an increased benefits bill.

Improving health outcomes for everyone living with a long-term condition, including PoTS, is a key part of the Government's mission to build a National Health Service fit for the future.

We are investing in additional capacity to deliver appointments to help bring waiting lists and times down. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the specific productivity and reform efforts needed to return to the constitutional standard, that 92% of patients to wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029.

Additionally, the shifts outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan will free up hospital-based consultants’ time by shifting care from hospitals to communities, utilising digital technology to reduce administrative burdens, and promoting prevention to reduce the onset and severity of conditions that lead to hospital admissions. This includes expanding community-based services, employing artificial intelligence for productivity, developing integrated neighbourhood health teams, and investing in digital tools and data. These shifts will allow specialists to focus on more complex cases of PoTS, enabling earlier identification and management, and improved patient outcomes.

By shifting care into the community through Neighbourhood Health Services, promoting integrated, multidisciplinary models of care, and through the expansion of personalised care plans, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will ensure that people with conditions like PoTS receive more timely and accessible support closer to home.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce average diagnosis times for people with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We recognise the negative impact that postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) has on patients, and the cost to health and care services and the wider economy through, for example, loss of work and an increased benefits bill.

Improving health outcomes for everyone living with a long-term condition, including PoTS, is a key part of the Government's mission to build a National Health Service fit for the future.

We are investing in additional capacity to deliver appointments to help bring waiting lists and times down. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the specific productivity and reform efforts needed to return to the constitutional standard, that 92% of patients to wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029.

Additionally, the shifts outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan will free up hospital-based consultants’ time by shifting care from hospitals to communities, utilising digital technology to reduce administrative burdens, and promoting prevention to reduce the onset and severity of conditions that lead to hospital admissions. This includes expanding community-based services, employing artificial intelligence for productivity, developing integrated neighbourhood health teams, and investing in digital tools and data. These shifts will allow specialists to focus on more complex cases of PoTS, enabling earlier identification and management, and improved patient outcomes.

By shifting care into the community through Neighbourhood Health Services, promoting integrated, multidisciplinary models of care, and through the expansion of personalised care plans, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will ensure that people with conditions like PoTS receive more timely and accessible support closer to home.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of (a) access to specialist (i) diagnosis and (ii) treatment and (b) other NHS services for people with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We recognise the negative impact that postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) has on patients, and the cost to health and care services and the wider economy through, for example, loss of work and an increased benefits bill.

Improving health outcomes for everyone living with a long-term condition, including PoTS, is a key part of the Government's mission to build a National Health Service fit for the future.

We are investing in additional capacity to deliver appointments to help bring waiting lists and times down. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the specific productivity and reform efforts needed to return to the constitutional standard, that 92% of patients to wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029.

Additionally, the shifts outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan will free up hospital-based consultants’ time by shifting care from hospitals to communities, utilising digital technology to reduce administrative burdens, and promoting prevention to reduce the onset and severity of conditions that lead to hospital admissions. This includes expanding community-based services, employing artificial intelligence for productivity, developing integrated neighbourhood health teams, and investing in digital tools and data. These shifts will allow specialists to focus on more complex cases of PoTS, enabling earlier identification and management, and improved patient outcomes.

By shifting care into the community through Neighbourhood Health Services, promoting integrated, multidisciplinary models of care, and through the expansion of personalised care plans, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will ensure that people with conditions like PoTS receive more timely and accessible support closer to home.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the feasibility of introducing mandatory transparency obligations requiring generative artificial intelligence developers to disclose which copyrighted works have been used in their training datasets.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government published a consultation on 17 December 2024, seeking views on several topics relating to the interaction between copyright and artificial intelligence (AI), including seeking views on the use of copyright material in AI model development.

As part of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, the Government has committed to publish a report by 18 March 2026 that will consider a number of areas including transparency.

The Government is reviewing all responses to the consultation to help inform next steps. The Government will set out its position in due course.